The West Orange, N.J. native and former St. Patrick High School star was left off the list of reserves despite a brilliant season in which he’s averaging 24.2 points, 4.9 assists and 4.2 rebounds while shooting 48% from the field and 42% from deep.

P.J. Washington will receive an icy welcome as his play against the Thunder has OKC fans hating him more than any player in the NBA. Even if it's a skeleton crew going out there for Dallas, there will be plenty of emotions running high in this game.

USA: Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dribbles as Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) defends during the second half in game six of the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center.

Kyrie Irving engaged in some spirited trash talk with Alex Caruso and Isaiah Joe after Jaylin Williams was fouled by P.J. Washington.

Kyrie Irving addressed his injury concern following the Mavericks' big victory against the Thunder on Friday night.

Nets team, saying the Mavericks didn’t just win the swap that brought him to Dallas, but got the best deal in the NBA.

Kyrie Irving — an expert in rivalries — agreed that the Thunder and Mavericks have become arch-nemesis. “It’s personal. I think it’s the start of a healthy rivalry," Irving said. "... We’re gonna be seeing them a lot over the next few years so it’s good that you set the precedent now what it’s gonna be like.

That decision forced the Thunder to stick close to the Mavericks' role players throughout the first quarter. Once Washington scored the first five points, Irving asserted himself and drained a 3-pointer before finishing at the basket with a finger roll to give the Mavericks an early 10-0 lead.

Dallas improved to 23-19 while Oklahoma City remain top of the West with a 34-7 record. Read more at straitstimes.com.

The latest misfortune in the Mavericks' injury-riddled season occurred Thursday night when the All-Star reserves were announced by TNT. Kyrie Irving, who had the best chance of qualifying for the Western Conference team, was not selected as part of the 14 reserves.

Kyrie Irving scored 25 points, Spencer Dinwiddie and P.J. Washington Jr. added 16 apiece and the Dallas Mavericks beat Oklahoma City 106-98 as Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander missed his first game of the season.

The game is scheduled to start at 10 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on ESPN and ESPN Deportes. Fans looking to watch this NBA game can do so for free by using DirecTV Stream, which offers a free trial, or FuboTV, which also offers a free trial and $30 off your first month. SlingTV doesn’t offer a free trial but has promotional offers available.